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ROCHA ON RONALDO

Posted on 2 February 2007
- 12:00

Ricardo Rocha believes Cristiano Ronaldo has what it takes to become a great on the world stage - if he isn't already.

Ricardo Rocha believes Cristiano Ronaldo has what it takes to become a great on the world stage - if he isn't already.The winger - who will tread the turf at the Lane with his Manchester United teammateson Sunday - has illuminated the Premiership this season and must be a front runner for the Player of the Year gongs when they come to be presented towards the end of term. Ricardo acknowledges that his international teammate was not the most popular individual in this country after the World Cup, but admires the way he has won his detractors over.

"He had some problems after the World Cup, but he is a tough guy who thinks positively all the time," said our recent recruit from Benfica. "He is a fantastic player and he has proved that this season.

"He is stronger, he doesn't fall down any more and is always trying to get past his opponents. He possesses an amazing technique and is an unbelieveable player.

"I think he has got everything to become the best player in the world. I think he is nearly there, but he is young and has got many years in front of him to improve even more."

This will not the the the first occasion where Rocha has come up against United this season. His travelled with his former club Benfica to Old Trafford for a Champions League group stage encounter in December and the home side emerged as 3-1 winners.

"I played them at Old Trafford after missing the home game through injury," recalled Ricardo. "We lost 3-1 and played a good game, but they were fantastic and have a great team.